“Get Happy” Happy Hour (Extended)

During these days in which we find ourselves, the traditional “Happy Hour” may be more important than ever. An hour after our day job to relax with co-workers or meet up with friends not often seen. An hour to turn off the day of work—and for many, politics—and socialize, laugh, and detach from the world, yet connect with those sitting right next to us.

Old Pasadena presents its annual “Get Happy, Happy Hour Week” (which lasts more than seven days, but maybe that’s the second martini talking).

The Blind Donkey, John Bower’s whiskey-themed bar, has a Happy Hour that lasts three hours, from 4 to 7 p.m. Other spots participating in “Get Happy” include Vertical Wine Bistro, the White Horse Lounge, Café Santorini, and Rocco’s Tavern.

We love the listing for La Grande Orange Café with Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. We’re sure that’s just the open hours versus Happy Hour, but the thought’s there! On the other hand, La Grande Orange offers its café white sangria and LGO private label wines for $6 all day long.

On Friday, March 10, Michael Calderon, otherwise known as “Mr. Pasadena,” will lead and “curate” the Get Happy Pub Crawl, featuring four Old Pasadena venues. Already 90 folks have signed up, but hey, join the crowd! Join and RSVP here at MeetUp.

We will be drinking at least four restaurants/bars in Old Pasadena. You pay for all your drinks. The establishment will take care of some appetizers for you. We stay at each place for an hour and walk/crawl to the next place.—Mr. Pasadena

Sushi Roku has four to six hour Happy Hours seven days a week. It’s signature cocktail is the Sakura gin tonic with gin, tonic, juniper berries, thyme, an edible flower, and a grapefruit slice.

Umami Burger is showcasing its Velvet Mule for $7 with Happy Hour 3-7 p.m. Harlowe’s French Dip will feature Beechwood Brewing on Friday, March 10 and Eagle Rock Brewing on March 17. Maestro offers Mexican wines and its Maestro margarita—lime juice, agave nectar infused with hibiscus flowers, and tequila.

How about testing those slightly inebriated skills at the Donkey Kong or Street Fighter 2? On Monday, March 13, Neon Retro Arcade on South Raymond welcomes one and all for the 2nd Annual Afterworks Special: grilled cheese and float tasting with Mix ‘n’ Munch and Float Pasadena. Admission and samples: $15. The arcade has over 50 vintage arcade and pinball machines. “It’s like a fun and nostalgic interactive museum.” Now with grilled cheese! For tickets, visit Eventbrite.

True Food Kitchen could be another scheduled food stop. Patrons may purchase three Happy Hour food specials for $20: soup, salad, hummus, pizza, or crudité. And for something completely unassociated with Happy Hour, Bokaos Aveda Salon is offering a “Get Happy” blow dry special. Usually $40, but from 3 to 6 p.m. it will only cost $30.